Tag Archives: The Portfolio Committee on Forestry

Committee supports the Kruger National Park flood recovery

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 February 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on Friday commended the South African National Parks (SANParks) for the sterling and well-coordinated rescue operations conducted during the recent devastating floods within the Kruger National Park. The committee noted the professionalism displayed during the crisis and further acknowledged SANParks’ efforts to rescue both humans and wildlife using its resources.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental, Nqabisa Gantsho said while the floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, staff villages, utilities, and tourist facilities, the committee appreciated that no lives were lost. Gantsho said preliminary assessments estimated the damage at hundreds of millions of rands.

“For the committee, whoever, the preservation of life remains the ultimate metric of success. The committee noted that the outcome was the result of a combination of functional early warning systems, swift evacuation protocols, and the tireless and heroic efforts of park management and emergency personnel.

“The committee acknowledges that these floods place a significant strain on the park’s operational capacity. These adverse weather events also highlight the need for increased budgetary allocations and investment in infrastructure as part of South Africa’s broader strategy to adapt to escalating climate risks,” she said.

Gantsho said the committee supports the establishment of the SANParks Kruger Recovery Fund. She applauds the proactive fundraising initiatives that are already underway.

“We also note the essential work of the SANParks Honorary Rangers through the Kruger Flood 2026 Fund and the significant contributions pledged by various national and international partners. The committee appealed for transparency and the correct allocation of resources.

“It also emphasised that these Funds are the only legitimate channels authorised to receive and manage donations. We encourage individuals, local communities and the private sector to contribute generously toward this cause,” said Gantsho.

She said the Kruger National Park is far more than a conservation area. Gantsho said it is a national heritage asset, a cornerstone of their biodiversity and the economic lifeline for the communities that border it.

“The recovery of the park is therefore a shared national responsibility. By contributing to these official fundraising efforts, the public plays a vital role in the rebuilding process. Our collective goal is to ensure that Kruger National Park not only recovers its former status but also emerges stronger, safer and better prepared for future climate challenges,” she said.

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Committee sends condolences to families affected by natural disasters

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By REGINALD KANYANE

19 January 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment extend its deepest condolences to the families in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, who have tragically lost loved ones during the recent torrential rains and floods. The committee said it stands in solidarity with the thousands of affected households whose lives have been disrupted.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Ngabisa Gantsho said many have lost their homes, personal belongings and their primary means of livelihood, including farmland and livestock. Gantsho said the committee also acknowledges the communities in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, where devastating wildfires have forced evacuations and destroyed properties.

“From the rising waters of the north to the raging fires of the south, the scale of destruction, from washed-away schools in Jozini to scorched farmlands in Overstrand, is a national loss. The committee recognises that, for many, the journey to recovery will be long and challenging, and the committee reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that no community rebuilds alone.

“The extent of destruction, with bridges swept away and entire villages in districts such as Vhembe, Mopani, uMkhanyakude and Ehlanzeni isolated from essential services, is a national concern. In contrast, the fires across the Cape Winelands and Overberg threaten depleting aerial firefighting budgets and the province’s water security,” she said.

Gantsho further said the heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga and extreme fires in the Western Cape highlight that the climate crisis is no longer a future threat, but a current reality and clearly signals altered climate patterns. She added that the committee considers these events not just natural disasters but also urgent warnings indicating the priority of systemic changes in environmental management and protecting communities.

“The committee urges all three levels of government – national, provincial and local – to move beyond reactive disaster management and prioritising proactive climate action. Communities should also stay alert, avoid flooded areas and follow safety protocols.

“The committee strongly recommends deploying warning systems to reach the most remote rural villages well in advance of floodwaters or fires, providing training for local municipalities and ensuring emergency services have adequate resources to respond quickly,” said Gantsho.

She said educating communities about climate risks, sustainable land use and emergency procedures should be an immediate priority for the government, as these are essential for minimising climate impact vulnerability. Gantsho said similarly, new developments, such roads, bridges and human settlements, should be designed to withstand future climate-driven floods.

“The committee recognises the severe impact of these floods and fires on the natural environment and biodiversity, especially in the Kruger National Park, Garden Route National Park and neighbouring conservation areas, where they threaten the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

“Protecting our environment and wildlife is not a luxury, it is a fundamental pillar of human safety and economic stability, particularly for the tourism and agricultural sectors that support these provinces,” she said.

Gantsho said as they navigate this national disaster, the Portfolio Committee on Environment will intensify its oversight role to ensure that the Climate Change Act is implemented with the urgency it demands. She said they must build a South Africa, where their communities and their nature cannot only survive but thrive amidst a changing climate.

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